Festivals & Jewish Calendar

Dear Rabbi Simon, I have learned that there are restrictions on the use of musical instruments on Shabbat, such as guitar, flute, organ, drum, etc.  Recently, a friend told me that this extends to dancing, clapping one’s hands and even tapping on a table to the beat of a song.  Yet I know I have seen knowledgeable people doing these things.  Can…

Dear Rabbi Simon I was wondering if one is allowed to wear a digital watch on Shabbat?  If so is one also allowed to wear a Fitbit or similar? Best wishes Dalia Dear Dalia Thank you for your question. Digital watches are permitted on Shabbat, particularly if they have an aesthetic component, ie as an item of jewelry. This heter [permission]…

Dear Rabbi, Since becoming observant I generally don’t eat a meal prepared by someone who is not shomer Shabbat, the reason being that if they don’t respect Shabbat how can I assume they’re respecting kashrut? That’s led to some uncomfortable moments over the years when I’ve had to turn down invitations. However, I now feel I’m in a particularly awkward situation: for…

Greetings, A Shabbos question: Does going to the lavatory after Kiddush but before washing one’s hands for Hamotzi (ie eating the challah), require repeating Kiddush? Shabbat Shalom, Jay Thank you for your Question, Jay. Although it is ideal to eat the seudah promptly after kiddush, there would be no need to repeat the kiddush in the event of the diversion…